Where to stay in Telavi, Georgia: A practical guide

When deciding where to stay in Telavi, Georgia, consider the city’s topography and transport links. Built across a gentle hillside 500 metres above sea level, the town requires some uphill walking to reach certain areas, such as Nadikvari Park. The most practical approach is to base yourself near the King Erekle II Palace in the centre. This puts you within walking distance of restaurants, historical sights, and transport hubs.

Which streets are central?

Telavi’s layout revolves around the 17th-century Batonis Tsikhe fortress complex in the city centre. A bronze equestrian statue of King Erekle II stands in the square outside the fortress walls.

Rustaveli Avenue is a central thoroughfare. The Royal Spring is located at 1 Rustaveli Street.

Erekle II Street is another main road that starts at the monument and curves west up a hill. The street features a mix of Soviet-era apartment buildings, neoclassical architecture, and traditional wooden balconied houses.

At the end of Erekle II Street, you cross the Telavisrike River to reach Cholokashvili Street. This cobbled lane is known for its restored heritage homes with carved wooden balconies.

Is Telavi walkable?

Telavi is highly walkable, provided you do not mind gradients. The city has a self-guided walking tour initiative called “Telaviin”. It uses QR codes on buildings to provide historical information in English.

The walking route from Batonis Tsikhe to Nadikvari Park is 0.9 kilometres and takes approximately 15 minutes. The route runs uphill to the park, which offers views over the Alazani Valley.

Walking from the Telavi food market to the heritage houses on Cholokashvili Street covers 2 kilometres and takes about 30 minutes.

Where do marshrutkas leave from?

The city has two main bus stations: the New Bus Station and the Old Bus Station. They are located approximately 150 metres apart.

The New Bus Station is located at 33A Alazani Avenue, directly opposite the market. This is the departure point for marshrutkas travelling from Telavi to Tbilisi. They depart at least every hour between 09:00 and 21:00. A ticket costs 15 GEL, and the journey takes two to three hours. These Tbilisi-bound marshrutkas terminate at either the Ortachala Central Bus Station or the Samgori metro station. Shared taxis from the New Bus Station to Tbilisi cost 20 GEL per person.

Marshrutkas to Sighnaghi and Lagodekhi depart from the Old Bus Station. The fare to Sighnaghi is between 2 and 10 GEL, while tickets to Lagodekhi cost 10 GEL.

Marshrutkas to the Pankisi Gorge leave from either the New Bus Station or the Old Bus Station (with departures at 11:00 and 15:55).

Do guest houses have parking?

Guest house parking in Telavi varies between on-street spaces and private courtyards. When booking accommodation, check whether the property offers free private parking on site or relies on street parking.

Car hire in Telavi costs between 80 and 150 GEL per day. Fuel costs approximately 3.20 GEL per litre.

Making a base for a Kakheti stay

Our Old House is a recently renovated four-room guest house at 25a Shota Rustaveli Avenue, about 450 metres from the King Erekle II Palace. The property offers free private parking on site and a paid airport shuttle, making it a practical base for exploring Kakheti. Rooms include double and family options, each with a private bathroom, and selected rooms feature air conditioning and balconies. The host, Ira, cooks a homemade breakfast featuring local specialities, which can be included in the rate or added for 20 GEL.

Tsinandali is 8 to 12 kilometres away. The Bolt app can be used to order taxis in Telavi. A private door-to-door transfer to Tbilisi booked through GoTrip starts from 130 GEL per car. The drive from Tbilisi is approximately 95 kilometres via the Gombori Pass, or 150 kilometres via the main Kakheti highway. Tbilisi Airport is roughly 84 kilometres away.

What to see near the centre

Batonis Tsikhe and King Erekle II Palace: The 17th-century fortress complex is in the city centre. The King Erekle II Palace sits inside its walls. The palace houses the Telavi Historical-Ethnographic Museum. The museum is open from 10:00 to 18:00 and is closed on Mondays. Entrance costs 7 GEL.

The Giant Plane Tree: A 900-year-old plane tree (Platanus) with a 12-metre circumference stands in a park opposite the Erekle II monument.

Telavi Bazaar: Operating since the 17th century, the central food market sits opposite the New Bus Station on Alazani Avenue.

Nadikvari Park: Reached by walking uphill from the fortress, this hilltop park offers views over the Alazani Valley.

Eating out and practicalities

Restaurant Kapiloni is located on Telavi’s main street. A full meal with wine costs 35 to 50 GEL per person.